Transcript Staff

The first Junior League of Norman Monster Dash is coming Oct. 27 to the Norman Regional HealthPlex campus, located off Tecumseh Road between I-35 and 36th street.

The one-mile run/walk begins 8 a.m. followed by the 5K run at 8:30. Participants can egister online at www.getmeregistered.com or download a form at www.monsterdash.net. The cost for adult pre-registration is $20 which includes a t-shirt; registration the day of the event is $25 (t-shirts on a first come, first serve basis).

Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes while participating in the one-mile run/walk. Registration for children under the age of 13 is $12, which also includes a t-shirt. There will be no charge for adults accompanying children for the 1 Mile Run/Walk.

Dedicated 5K runners can run a professional certified course. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is a way to introduce children to an activity they can participate in at different levels throughout their lives.

The focus of Monster Dash Junior League members said, is to encourage children that exercising can be fun, All children under 13 will receive a free gift bag just for participating. Activities after the race include inflatables and a Halloween costume contest.

Junior League's newly adopted focus is to promote health and fitness for the citizens of Norman and surrounding communities.

"Developing a focus allows the league to direct all of its resources and volunteer time to address a specific need in the community and to retain that focus until the area of need has been fulfilled," said Sharon Rentzel, president.

"We are actively working with Norman Public Schools to inform families about the event," Rentzel said. "Information will be sent out in 4,000 Thursday folders prior to the run. We are also working with the elementary school physical education teachers to encourage children to participate in the event and assist us in identifying students that may need financial assistance. Ten registrations have been donated by Cochran's Music Preschool."

Monetary donations are still needed for the Monster Dash. The four levels of sponsorships are King Kong, $1,000; Frankenstein, $750; Dracula, $500; and Werewolf, less than $500. For more sponsorship information visit Web site www.monsterdash.net or Katy Ullrich at katy@monsterdash.net.

Volunteers also are needed before and during the race. Call the Junior League Office at 329-9617 for information.